Men farewell CEO

IT WAS a lunch to recognise the change in leadership of a sporting brotherhood going from strength-to-strength.

The Men Of League (MOL) Foundation Tweed District held their Sportsmens’ Lunch on February 25 to recognise their outgoing national CEO of about six-years Martin Cook and welcome incoming CEO Bob Bennett, who unfortunately could not attend.

In the spirit of MOL the lunch also raised money for cancer sufferer John “JB” Ballard and other MOL members dealing with hard times.

Master of ceremonies and welfare officer Neil Pringle said Bob Bennett, brother of coaching great Wayne Bennett, had been very successful in his own right in both league and business.

“The existing structure of the MOL is successful and Bob will be looking to expand on that structure through enhancing membership and aiding more people in need,” Mr Pringle said.

Mr Cook said he had mixed feelings about stepping down as CEO.

“But I’m excited about the future,” he said.

“I’ll miss the day-to-day contact, the great people you get to associate with; it’s hard but rewarding work which gives you a good feeling from being able to help out.

“It started in 2002 and now has an office in Sydney and Brisbane.

“Since that time we’ve grown it to 28 local committees including the Tweed, there’s now 350 volunteers across the country and we’ve got 61,000 members.”

Mr Cook said Mr Bennett would take the MOL even further.

“He’s coached in Southport and he coached the Papua New Guinea national team for 10 years.

“We’ve had a transition period and we clicked really well.

“I wish Bob the best of luck and it’s reassuring to know the foundation will be in good hands.”